Page 57 - SV 3 2024

The
Northern
Branch
Appeal
The Northern Branch has one
of the largest memberships of all the NVS branches, and yet the Northern Branch Committee is struggling to appoint Branch Officers.
In particular The Treasurer David Allison will resign at the next
AGM and, at present, no one has yet come forward to replace him.
It is imperative that we take the opportunity to get a replacement in place before David leaves. We are looking for someone with experience in banking or financial control experience who is also computer literate and familiar with Spreadsheet systems.
Our show managers, Jim Robinson and James Park have also resigned for health reasons. Without these roles being filled the show may not run as smoothly as it has done in the past.
It is also my intention to resign the position of Branch Secretary because of family health issues, as soon as someone will come forward to replace me, although I would like to remain on the Northern Branch Committee.
Without wanting to lecture anyone, or be condescending, BUT in order for the NVS to function
it relies heavily on it’s volunteers, and unless suitable volunteers come forward the organisation will cease to function. The Northern Branch is moving rapidly towards that scenario, and so I would like to appeal to the Northern Branch members for people who want
to make that difference, to come forward and volunteer for the aforementioned Officer roles.
It doesn’t matter whether or not you attend DA meetings these appointments are for the Branch Officers, and do not necessarily need nominating at DA level. If you want information about any of these roles, please ask any of the Northern Branch Committee or feel free to speak to myself (Geoff Wilson)
the Treasurer David Allison or the Chairman Adrian Read.
NVS Lancashire DA
The DA season of talks has now come
to an end and what a brilliant set of speakers we’ve had. Unfortunately, we’d to cancel the February meeting
– history of Lancashire basket making with Julie Livesey - due to the weather. It ranged from a little smattering of snow turning to rain for some Members and a white out for others. So, it was a sensible decision to cancel.
In March we had a friend of mine and friend of the DA, Stephen Lowe with Ramblings of a Radio Forester. What
an informative, interesting, and amusing talk about his presenting on BBC Radio Lancashire, the places, people, projects he’s encountered along the way, having
a go in local shows with his homemade industrial sized batch of marmalade, encouraging younger folk into agriculture, arboriculture and horticulture.
Then in April we’d John Smiles with his talk on from seed to harvest. It’s always great to have John back with his dry wit and sense of humour, along with his extensive knowledge and experience of growing – the good, the bad, mistakes and his tips for growing - which he shared with members.
Chorley Flower Show is looming for the DA and is 26-28 July 2024. All help gratefully received – growing, help with
set up, break down, staffing the display during the show. I just hope some things get a real riddle on as it’s been a very slow start to the season even with the heated propagators. I think the worst start in the many years I’ve been growing.
Easter Monday saw myself and Gavin have a trip up to W Robinsons for some plants due to ours being so slow to germinate and for onion sets. Always great to see Susan and Margaret, have a catch up ahead of the shows. They’ll be at Chorley too.
Cath Holmes, Chair
John Smiles
Margaret Robinson
Plants at Robinsons
John Lowe
Susan Robinson
Simply Vegetables 57